I recently purchased this, and plan to send it in this month.
Was just curious what the best way to get them to put the (ST) qualifier on the label.
It seems like they rarely will add it for the Hitmonlee or Blue Stain Haunter.
2 Likes
ST is reserved for non factory staining from my understanding. That should be a PD imo, but I’m sure someone will chime in with why PSA doesn’t or just “Duh. Idiot” 
3 Likes
I think you need to send this one to Gary to grade for you
2 Likes
Send a note saying you mistook it for TP.
A slightly different situation, but I submitted 4 holos from base set theme decks which were all clearly stained from the plastic wrap and they came back as PSA 5s.
I wonder if there is a certain way to submit it. I know Scott has discussed this in his videos, but I’m sure Gary or him will chime in soon. My next PSA submission will be through his service and I have 1 or 2 from shadowless theme decks.
1 Like
@joer It feels like a lack of knowledge. The grader may have not been familiar with Pokemon theme decks and the plastic wrap stains that result. I explained it in the comments and requested that the qualifier be applied, but it still wasn’t.
Do you think adding a note to it would help? Someone should test this out to see if they will give qualifiers if left on the note.
2 Likes
I’ve left notes requesting both ST and OC without any luck
The ST designation was originally reserved for both tobacco and gum residue. It allowed cards to not get docked too severely for stains caused by pack inserts. It would be a 2 to 3 grade difference…if not designated.
These days, the definition seems to be all over the place. I see no rationale for the op’s card to be designated an ST but sadly you never know.
It does not.
I’ve tested this dozens of times with error cards, OC cards, ST cards and miscuts. Out of maybe 30+ cards I’ve had 8 get the correct qualifier. The rest of the time it’s a mixed salad. I’ve had badly stained cards come back as PSA 9s where the grader missed the stain entirely. Other times I’ve had stained cards come back as PSA 3s and 4s. I’ve had mint OC cards come back as PSA 7s.
There is no rhyme or reason as to how PSA designates qualifiers for Pokemon. It depends entirely on who winds up grading your card.
That’s frustrating. Leaving a note should be accepted and helpful for a grader. I’m not telling them how to do their job, but simply noting something factual. Simply reference an example and that should be accepted.